This past Saturday the second and last moving van arrived, and then yesterday the last flatbed trailer load arrived. In the photo above, that's Mike R. from New York, whose final load for us included our second tractor, a dog house, tractor implements, and two pallets of stall mats.
Here's a photo I took on Saturday of Alayne and Dave H., the driver who delivered both moving vans for us and then kindly and generously helped us unload them:
There was only 20,000 pounds (9,071 kg) of stuff in this load, down from 30,000 pounds (13,607 kg) in the first moving van!
Last night Alayne and I totaled up everything and counted 16 trips -- the two moving vans, the seven flatbed trailer loads Mike made, two semi-truck flatbed trailer loads, the dog and cat caravan, two large animal trailer loads, and then the trips that the two of us made, each hauling a trailer with animals on board. Whoops, that doesn't count the trip I made out here in mid-April, also with truck and horse trailer, so that's 17 trips.
In a way it was fitting that Mike brought the final load, because he had picked up the very first load in early April -- a full trailer of corral panels. Back then I wasn't sure how we were going to get it all done, but somehow we did. Moving all the animals was more complicated than most people might realize, because each animal needed pre-departure health exams and an individual interstate health certificate from our vets before they could travel. The horses needed all that and more -- Coggins tests, brand inspections and import permits, too.
I think we earned advanced degrees in logistics for this adventure.
Of course, we are a long way from being settled. We still have to figure out where to put the 50,000 pounds of stuff we've now unloaded over the past month! But at least everything is here, and that's a big relief!
Here is the very last thing off the last load -- a dog house:
At least we know where we're going to put that ... in the nearest dog yard!
aaahhhhh home *happy sigh*
Posted by: Maree in NZ | July 29, 2010 at 03:56 PM
I googled your new location with satelite imaging and couldn't figure out what the large blue tarp was for. Now I know you have 50,000 pounds of "stuff" under there.
:)
Posted by: Amy A | July 29, 2010 at 03:47 PM
Good Bless you Both! That is alot of stuff to move. Thanks for doing everything you do for animals. If we can help you out in any way we live in NH and would love to help!
Posted by: Holly | July 29, 2010 at 01:48 PM
There's a couple of Army schools that could issue you credit for a logistics course......but I think you could teach them a thing or twenty. The Army kinda moves itself, they only have to move their own equipment. What you guys pulled off is way complex, and I enjoyed every blog in amazement of your thoughtful planning and execution of it all!
Posted by: Diane Borden, Chehalis, WA | July 29, 2010 at 10:06 AM
Congratulations! You guys are tough!--Inger
Posted by: Inger Wiltz | July 28, 2010 at 04:10 PM
Wow! That's a major fete! I think the town should throw you & the animals a major welcome party with all the hoopala! You know, champagne, live music, the works. They've gotten something that's going to put them on the map. Congrats on getting everything there safely & a terrific job in doing it all!
Hugs all around,
ginger, Tobias & Tlingit
Posted by: ginger | July 28, 2010 at 03:58 PM
Awesome! You all continue to amaze us. Congratulations.
And here I am figuring out how to clean out my garage for the new freezer. Sure puts that into perspective!
Posted by: Margaret | July 28, 2010 at 03:34 PM
Thank you everso for all the hard work you have done and still need to do. 50,000 lb of "stuff". It makes my head swim and my body exceedingly tired to just think about. Whew! I still am very sad that Rolling Dog is no longer in Montana but I have to support your decision and the reasons why. I appreciate you informing us of all that has been going on. I have enjoyed the info you have sent as well as the humorous anecdotes about many subjects. I am exceedingly glad you are now "all moved" and ready to get on with things, that is, after you unload. You now live and work in another beautiful section of the U.S. I have hiked a number of times in northern NH, including part of the Appalachian trail and have stayed in huts of the Appalachian Trail Hut system. I loved the country and the people. Keep us posted. Thanks a bunch for keeing us informed throughout this move.
May you have the best of success with your venture in NH. Phyllis Snow, Kalispell, MT
Posted by: Phyllis Snow | July 28, 2010 at 01:56 PM
Wow! I knew this was a huge move, but hearing about the pre-departure health exams for the dogs and horses was an additional surprise.
All I can say is well done....you certainly had our respect before, but now it is really over the top.
Best wishes to you all in your new home!!
Posted by: Chloe | July 28, 2010 at 12:13 PM
I tried picturing in my mind getting prepared for such an event and all I could see were clipboards of tasks to do and lists. Lists everywhere + Post-it notes everywhere! It just boggles the mind. Not only the prep work involved, but the cost of the new place, the vet expenses to get the animals ready to transport, then the actual moves...OMG! You must feel you can handle anything at this point! Job well done guys. Congratulations on a MOST successful relocation!!
Posted by: Miranda | July 28, 2010 at 12:07 PM
Kudos to Mike, Dave and all the other wonderful people who helped you along this journey to your new home. I'll bet it feels wonderful to know that the move is finally finished and all you have to do is put away some things. All of you at the ranch are so inspiring!
Posted by: Ann | July 28, 2010 at 11:36 AM
Wow!I can't even imagine moving all that. God Bless you both.
Has the place in Montana sold as of yet?
Posted by: Suzanne | July 28, 2010 at 11:31 AM
Such great news, and what a relief, I'm sure! Now you can all (animals and humans) take a deep breath and enjoy!
Posted by: Dawn | July 28, 2010 at 11:20 AM
Impressive and amazing! And how appropriate that the last item off at RDR would be a dog house! Woof!
Posted by: Lisa K. of Escondido, CA | July 28, 2010 at 11:14 AM
As they say on TV
Welcome Home Rolling Dog Family Welcome Home
Posted by: Eric | July 28, 2010 at 10:17 AM
Actually I've been thinking about the logistics and the time you must have spent planning, scheduling, organizing.....I can't even imagine. You made it look so easy. Congrats on completing your move and warm wishes for settling in! : )
Posted by: Christine Baltazar, Portland, OR | July 28, 2010 at 09:56 AM
Oh My Gosh!! I dont think many of us had any idea of exactly how much went into the collosal move! I am so glad you had such good people to work with...Dave H., Mike, the wonderful pet trasport team, your vets in MT etc... Wow. Thank yous to everyone of you all. You have my utmost respect. What a huge undertaking. I am glad you are all there safe and sound and have the rest of the summer to get settled b4 winter comes in. Again, WOW, what a move, I'm impressed (and glad I don't have to do anything like that!) Hugs to all, especially Hawk, Spinner & Cinder (a few of my favorites). Anne
Posted by: Anne in Florida | July 28, 2010 at 09:18 AM
How wonderful to have all of your moving done...even if it is not all put in it's place...you are amazing...a real inspiration!
God Bless your new home and all you do!!
Posted by: Brenda | July 28, 2010 at 09:11 AM
I admire your devotion. You all absolutely amaze me. It was a long journey but I wish you all the blessings life can hold in your new home.
Posted by: Colleen & In Memory of Sweet Kitty Erin | July 28, 2010 at 02:40 AM
AMEN, AMEN AND AMEN!! 17 trips--WOW!!!!!
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | July 27, 2010 at 11:43 PM
Makes moving a sofa bed easy! Yea dog houses!! I don't see any cat trees! tee hee
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | July 27, 2010 at 11:42 PM
I get exhausted just reading about all that you do. I think I'll go lay down.
Posted by: Ray the Blind Dog | July 27, 2010 at 10:45 PM
Bless you both for your compassion for animals that otherwise might be overlooked. You inspire me.
Posted by: Janet P | July 27, 2010 at 09:59 PM
Thank you Mike. You're part of history.
I am so incredibly grateful that I have been along on this journey, albeit from the comfort of my desk chair.
Posted by: Lynn (in Louisiana) | July 27, 2010 at 09:23 PM